I met a friend for lunch in December. Before we parted in the parking lot, she handed me a gift bag out of the trunk of her car and invited me to open my Christmas present at a later time. When I got home, I carefully reached into the bag and discovered a book. I frowned as I looked at the cover. I had that same book on the shelf.
She had given me a replica the previous Christmas.
When I flipped through the pages, I discovered it had already been partially used as part of chapter one was highlighted in yellow. Apparently, she had “re-gifted” her unwanted copy to me.
I shook my head in disbelief and began to question the depth of our friendship.
A thoughtful gift shows the recipient that you hold them in esteem and value the relationship. One year, a dear friend gave me two porcelain statues that showed two women facing one another with hands extended toward one another in an attitude of prayer. Her present sits on my mantel and reminds me I am loved, valued, and supported.
The Prophet Malachi was God’s mouthpiece who communicated the Heavenly Father’s heart about the inattentive and careless attitude of His spoiled children, Israel. The Almighty had created them, sustained them, and forgiven them over and over again… yet, they failed to honor Him with true devotion. Instead of giving God their best with reverent devotion, they were metaphorically reaching into the back of their closet and placing a half-used candle on God’s sacred altar.
God doesn’t want our sloppy seconds. His majesty demands our wholehearted worship because He alone is worthy.
It is easy for me to read about the children of Israel and shake my head in disbelief, but the truth is that I do not always get out of bed and begin my day with a heart full of worship. Sometimes, I focus more on what I have not yet received. I forget how much grace God has already granted me.
My selfish heart sometimes holds back from trusting God fully because I want God to do things my way, and I grow tired of waiting for Him to answer my prayers.
I am impatient and filled with doubt instead of being prayerful and seeking His all-sufficient strength for this season.
Forgive me, Lord.
I want a do-over. How about you?
What if today we began our day by reminding ourselves of these truths:
- We are unconditionally loved by a faithful God who will never forsake us.
- Our Heavenly Father gave us the greatest gift – His Son, Jesus. Because He has lavished us with His grace, we have so much to be thankful for everyday of our lives.
- The God who sacrificed His best to save us will never stop fighting for us. Jesus will fully restore all that we have lost on the day He returns when our redemption is complete.
When we focus on the goodness of our God, we cannot help but wholeheartedly worship. Our best treasures of time, talent, and service are thoughtful gifts He deserves. Let’s place our all on the altar of sacrifice because our King is worthy.
